Many companies use recruiters to find quality candidates suited for the open role. If you’re job searching, you’ve probably run into a couple of them yourself. They are the bridge between a candidate and the company, and you should be able to trust that they’ll give you the best option available for that contract. 

Unfortunately, some recruiters are bad recruiters. You might end up with a contract that completely screws you over, or you might end up at a job you were not prepared for. How can you tell if a recruiter is a good one or a bad one? 

Does the Recruiter Know Their Stuff? 

For one, a good recruiter will know the industry, details about the open position, and the market conditions. If you have questions on the company, they’ll be able to provide you with information on what the company is like. They are the representative of the company, so they should know all the details. On the other hand, a bad agent will not be able to offer you details like what the company is like, what your responsibilities will be, and what benefits they can provide you. Bad recruiters are only concerned with the basic information, and they will be looking at whether you are a good fit for the company and vice versa. 

Are They Communicating with You? 

If your recruiter hasn’t spoken to you in a while or if they keep making excuses when you contact them, they’re not a good recruiter. Good agents will communicate with you effectively and efficiently about any updates on your job application. Bad ones will give you excuses like, “I haven’t had time” or “there are a lot of people applying”. Being a good communicator is a sign that your recruiter knows what they’re doing and can help you get what you want. 

Is it Quality or Quantity? 

Additionally, good recruiters will focus on the quality of the candidates and finding the right person for the role, but bad ones will focus on the quantity of calls and candidates they find. Likewise, a good agent will tell you if a job isn’t a good fit for you, but a bad one will continue to push your application through. You don’t to waste time waiting for a job you won’t be able to get, so always make sure the job is a fit for you. 

Recruiters are Supposed to Help 

A recruiter can make or break your application to a company. Having a good one on your side is vital, but sometimes, it can be hard to tell if they are good or bad. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut! A good recruiter will be able to answer any of your questions and assuage your nerves. Need help spotting a good agent from a bad recruiter? Check out our TikTok for more tips on how to do it!